Cheap eCommerce Website Builders for 2025

Did you know global eCommerce sales are expected to reach over $6.3 trillion in 2024? As a startup, now is the perfect time to tap into this booming market! But how do you get started without breaking the bank?

Unfortunately, startups face a number of challenges, including limited funding and the requirement for a feature-rich platform, making it tough to monetize their business. If you’re going through the same thing, remember to take one step at a time. Begin with selecting the best eCommerce platform for your business, as this may make or break your online presence.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the cheapest eCommerce website builders specifically designed for startups. We’ll break down essential features, compare pricing, and help you find a platform that aligns with your unique goals.

What Makes a Cheap eCommerce Website Builder Ideal for Startups?

Choosing an eCommerce platform isn’t just about the initial cost; there are several factors that startups should consider when making this important decision.

Cost-effectiveness

First and foremost, cost is a major concern for startups. A 2020 survey by the National Small Business Association found that 30% of small businesses fail due to a lack of funding. If you want to minimize upfront expenses, you will need a web solution that doesn’t require money. Luckily, you can now find many ecommerce free website builders, but you should evaluate whether the limitations of these plans will hinder your business’s growth.

Ease of Use

Not everyone is a tech whiz. An ideal eCommerce builder should be user-friendly, allowing you to set up your store without a degree in computer science. A platform with a drag-and-drop interface can save you hours of frustration. Platforms like Wix and Shopify are praised for their intuitive interfaces.

Scalability

As your business grows, your eCommerce platform should be able to grow with it. Look for builders that offer affordable ecommerce website design and scalable solutions, enabling you to add features or upgrade plans without a complete overhaul of your website. For instance, platforms like Shopify allow you to upgrade your plan seamlessly as you add more products or sales channels.

Support and Community Resources

Having a robust support system is vital. You’ll want access to customer support and a community that can provide guidance. Look for platforms with active forums, tutorials, and FAQs. Shopify and BigCommerce have extensive documentation and community forums that can be incredibly helpful.

Customization Options

Your brand is unique, and your eCommerce website should reflect that. Choose a platform that offers flexible design options and third-party integrations to personalize your store. Consider whether the platform allows you to customize the user experience, as this can significantly impact conversion rates.

The Best eCommerce Website Builders for Startups

Let’s take a closer look at the 15 cheapest eCommerce website builders that cater to startups, analyzing their pros, cons, and ideal user base.

1. Big Cartel

Big Cartel is a user-friendly eCommerce platform designed specifically for artists, makers, and small businesses looking to sell their unique products online. It simplifies the online store setup process, making it ideal for creatives who may not have extensive technical skills.

Features:

• Customizable Store Templates: Users can choose from various templates to personalize their storefronts.
• Built-in Inventory Management: Helps users track stock levels easily.
• Discount Codes and Promotions: Facilitates customer engagement through promotions.
• Analytics Dashboard: Provides insights into sales and customer behavior.
• Mobile-Friendly Designs: Ensures a seamless shopping experience on mobile devices.

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Focused on artists and small businesses
• Affordable pricing plans
• Easy setup process

Cons

• Limited features compared to larger platforms
• No built-in blog functionality

Pricing Plans:

• Free Plan ($0): Sell up to 5 products, with basic features.
• Platinum Plan ($9.99/month): Sell up to 50 products and enjoy a custom domain.
• Diamond Plan ($19.99/month): Sell up to 500 products, with additional features.

2. Shift4Shop

Shift4Shop provides a comprehensive eCommerce solution, integrating essential tools for running an online store while focusing heavily on payment processing. It caters to businesses of all sizes, from startups to established brands.

Features:

• Free SSL Certificate: Enhances website security at no additional cost.
• Built-in SEO Tools: Optimizes store visibility in search engines.
• Multichannel Selling Capabilities: Sell across various platforms, including social media.
• Mobile-Responsive Themes: Ensures a great experience on any device.
• Integrated Payment Gateways: Streamlines transactions for users.

Pros

• Extensive Features For Free
• Strong Payment Processing Capabilities
• Excellent Customer Support
• Good SEO Tools

Cons

• Can be overwhelming for beginners
• Limited template designs

Pricing Plans:

• Free Plan ($0): Basic features for up to 500 products.
• Basic Plan ($29/month): More features and additional sales channels.
• Plus Plan ($79/month): Advanced features with priority support.

3. WooCommerce (with WP)

WooCommerce is a powerful WordPress plugin that transforms any WordPress site into a fully functional online store. It is particularly suitable for users already familiar with WordPress, allowing for extensive customization.

Features:

• Extensive Customization Options: Users can tailor their stores to fit their branding.
• Thousands of Plugins and Themes: A vast marketplace that offers additional functionalities.
• Built-in Payment Processing: Supports various payment gateways.
• Inventory Management: Streamlines product tracking.
• SEO-Friendly: Optimizes for better search engine visibility.

Pros

• Highly customizable
• Great for WordPress users
• Large community and support resources
• No monthly fees for the plugin itself

Cons

• Requires hosting
• Can become complex with too many plugins

Pricing Plans:

• Free Plan ($0): Free plugin, but users must pay for hosting.
• Basic Hosting ($5 – $25/month): Varies based on the hosting provider.
• Premium Add-ons (Varies): Additional costs for enhanced functionalities and themes.

4. PrestaShop

PrestaShop is an open-source eCommerce platform offering a high level of customization for online stores. It’s suitable for startups and established businesses with specific needs that require extensive adaptability.

Features:

• Over 600 Features Out of the Box: Provides a robust set of tools upon installation.
• Extensive Add-ons and Themes Marketplace: Users can expand functionality with additional resources.
• Multilingual Support: Ideal for businesses targeting international markets.
• SEO-Friendly Tools: Enhances store visibility in search results.
• Comprehensive Product Management: Easily manage products and inventory.

Pros

• Highly customizable
• Strong community support
• No monthly fees for software use

Cons

• Requires some technical knowledge
• Costly add-ons

Pricing Plans:

• Free Plan ($0): Open-source software; users must cover hosting costs.
• Add-ons (Varies): Costs depend on the add-ons and themes selected.

5. OpenCart

OpenCart is an open-source eCommerce solution designed for users who want an intuitive interface for managing online stores. It is ideal for businesses that seek flexibility without the burden of high costs.

Features:

• Multiple Payment Gateways: Supports various payment options for customer convenience.
• Responsive Themes: Ensures a visually appealing experience across devices.
• Built-in SEO Features: Optimizes product pages for better search visibility.
• Analytics and Reporting Tools: Provides insights into sales performance.
• Extensive Extension Marketplace: Users can add functionalities through extensions.

Pros

• Free to use and highly customizable
• Active community and documentation
• Easy to manage products and orders

Cons

• Can be complex for non-technical users
• Limited built-in features compared to others

Pricing Plans:

• Free Plan ($0): Open-source software; hosting costs apply.
• Add-ons (Varies): Additional functionalities incur separate costs.

6. Weebly by Square

Weebly is a free eCommerce website creator that allows users to create online stores easily through its drag-and-drop interface. It is designed for individuals and small businesses looking for a straightforward way to launch an online presence.

Features:

• Built-in eCommerce Capabilities: Offers essential tools for managing online sales.
• Integrated Marketing Tools: Helps users promote their stores effectively.
• Mobile-Responsive Designs: Ensures a good shopping experience on mobile devices.
• SEO Features: Provides tools for optimizing store visibility.
• Custom Domain Support: Users can connect their own domains easily.

Pros

• User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
• Affordable pricing
• Good support resources

Cons

• Limited design flexibility
• Advanced features available only in paid versions

Pricing Plans:

• Free Plan ($0): Basic features with Weebly branding.
• Personal Plan ($6/month): Custom domain and basic eCommerce features.
• Professional Plan ($12/month): Advanced eCommerce tools and no Weebly branding.

7. Zyro

Zyro is a newer eCommerce platform that provides a simple yet powerful solution for building online stores. It is known for its speed and efficiency, making it suitable for those looking to launch quickly.

Features:

• AI-Powered Tools for Design and Content: Helps users create and optimize their websites.
• Integrated Blogging Platform: Supports content marketing efforts.
• Mobile-Optimized Templates: Ensures a seamless experience on mobile devices.
• Secure Payment Gateways: Facilitates safe transactions.
• Analytics Dashboard: Provides insights into store performance.

Pros

• Quick setup and easy to use
• Affordable pricing
• AI tools help with content creation

Cons

• Limited third-party integrations
• Fewer customization options compared

Pricing Plans:

• Free Plan ($0): Basic features with limited storage.
• Basic Plan ($2.90/month): Custom domain and eCommerce features.
• Advanced Plan ($3.90/month): More features and unlimited storage.

8. Ecwid

Ecwid is a versatile eCommerce solution that enables users to integrate an online store into their existing websites or create a new store from scratch. It is designed for businesses looking to sell on multiple platforms.

Features:

• Multichannel Selling: Integrates with social media and marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
• Mobile-Friendly: Optimizes the shopping experience on mobile devices.
• Inventory Management Tools: Helps manage stock efficiently.
• Flexible Payment Options: Supports various payment gateways.
• Customizable Storefronts: Users can personalize their online presence.

Pros

• Easy integration with existing websites
• Supports multiple sales channels
• User-friendly interface

Cons

• Limited features on free plan
• Transaction fees on lower-tier plans

Pricing Plans:

• Free Plan ($0): Basic features with limited sales capabilities.
• Essentials Plan ($15/month): More features and no transaction fees.
• Business Plan ($35/month): Advanced tools and unlimited product listings.

9. Jimdo

Jimdo is a website builder that enables users to create an online store with minimal effort. Its AI-driven features simplify the design process.

Features:

• AI website creation
• SEO optimization tools
• Integrated marketing features
• Mobile-friendly designs
• Secure checkout options

Pros

• Very user-friendly
• Quick setup process
• Good support resources

Cons

• Limited customization options
• Advanced features only in higher plans

Pricing Plans:

• Free $0 Basic features, Jimdo branding
• Start $9 Custom domain, eCommerce features
• Grow $15 More features, no Jimdo branding

10. Sellfy

Sellfy is an all-in-one eCommerce solution that allows you to sell physical and digital products, subscriptions, and more. It’s great for startups looking for an easy-to-use platform.

Features:

• Simple product management
• Built-in marketing tools
• Custom storefront design
• Analytics dashboard

Pros

• Very easy to set up
• Supports multiple product types
• Integrated marketing tools

Cons

• Limited customization options
• Less suitable for larger stores

Pricing Plans:

• Free $0 Basic features, Sellfy branding
• Starter $29 More features, including custom domains
• Business $79 Advanced features for growing businesses

11. Wix eCommerce

Wix is a user-friendly website builder that offers robust eCommerce capabilities. It’s perfect for startups looking for an all-in-one solution.

Features:

• Drag-and-drop website builder
• Hundreds of customizable templates
• Integrated payment solutions
• SEO tools
• Mobile Optimization

Pros

• Extremely user-friendly
• Great design flexibility
• Comprehensive eCommerce tools

Cons

• Can become expensive with add-ons
• Limited storage on lower plans

Pricing Plans:

• Free $0 Basic features, Wix branding
• Business Basic $23 Custom domain, unlimited products
• Business Unlimited $27 More features, better storage

12. Squarespace Commerce

Squarespace is a popular website builder known for its stunning designs and templates. It provides comprehensive eCommerce features for startups looking to create a beautiful online store.

Features:

• Stunning design templates
• Integrated payment processing
• Inventory management
• SEO tools
• Mobile-responsive designs

Pros

• Visually appealing templates
• Easy to use
• Good customer support

Cons

• Limited flexibility compared to other builders
• Can be pricier than some competitors

Pricing Plans:

• Personal $12 Basic features, no eCommerce
• Business $18 eCommerce features, unlimited products
• Advanced Commerce $26 Advanced eCommerce capabilities

13. Volusion

Volusion is an established eCommerce platform offering powerful features tailored to online retailers. It’s great for startups looking for comprehensive tools to manage their online stores.

Features:

• Customizable templates
• Built-in SEO tools
• Inventory management
• Payment processing

Pros

• Good reporting and analytics tools
• Reliable customer support
• Mobile-friendly designs

Cons

• Limited design flexibility
• Some features may be complex for beginners

Pricing Plans:

• Personal $39 Basic features, limited products
• Professional $79 More products, advanced features
• Business $299 Unlimited products, advanced reporting

14. Shopify Basic

Shopify Basic offers all the essential features you need to run an online store, making it a solid choice for startups looking to scale.

Features:

• User-friendly interface
• Payment processing
• Inventory management
• SEO tools

Pros

• Scalable for growth
• Good customer support
• Extensive app marketplace

Cons

• Limited reporting features compared to higher plans
• Monthly fees can add up

Pricing Plans:

• Basic $39 Full eCommerce capabilities
• Shopify $105 Advanced reporting tools

15. Big Commerce

Big Commerce is a powerful eCommerce platform with a wide range of features. It’s designed for growth and is a great choice for startups that anticipate scaling quickly.

Features:

• SEO-friendly
• Multichannel selling
• Built-in payment processing
• Advanced analytics

Pros

• No transaction fees
• Great for scaling businesses
• Extensive features for larger catalogs

Cons

• Can be overwhelming for beginners
• Limited design customization

Pricing Plans:

• Standard $39 Full eCommerce features
• Plus $105 More advanced features

Free vs Paid eCommerce Website Builders: Which Should You Choose?

Benefits of Free eCommerce Website Builders

Zero Upfront Costs: Free platforms allow you to start your eCommerce journey without any initial financial commitment.

Ideal for Testing Ideas: They provide a risk-free environment to experiment with product offerings and website design before investing in a paid plan.

Why Paid Builders Are Worth the Investment?

More Features and Better Scalability: Paid builders typically offer a wider range of tools and features that support business growth, from advanced inventory management to custom integrations.

How to Choose the Right Cheap eCommerce Website Builder for Your Startup

Advanced Marketing, SEO, and Analytics Tools: These platforms often come with sophisticated tools that help improve search engine visibility and analyze customer behavior, which can lead to better conversion rates.

Consider Your Product Range

Evaluate how many products you plan to sell and whether the platform can accommodate your needs. Some platforms limit the number of products on their free plans, which may not be suitable for larger inventories.

Evaluate Your Technical Skills

Determine your level of comfort with website creation and management. If you’re less technically inclined, opt for a user-friendly platform with straightforward templates and support.

Factor in Long-Term Costs

Consider ongoing expenses beyond the initial platform fees, such as transaction fees, hosting services, and any necessary marketing apps. Understanding the total cost of ownership will help you budget effectively.

Prioritize Scalability

Choose a platform that can grow with your business. Look for options that offer upgrade paths or additional features as your sales volume increases, ensuring you won’t outgrow your eCommerce solution too quickly.

Conclusion

In summary, finding the best cheap eCommerce website builder for your startup involves assessing various factors, including budget, product type, and long-term goals. Both free and paid platforms have their unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your specific needs.

We encourage you to explore free trials and see which platform aligns best with your vision for your online store.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Citation

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• Site Builder Report. (n.d.). Jimdo review.
• HostingAdvice. (n.d.). Zyro review.
• Forbes. (n.d.). Ecwid review: The pros and cons.
• TechRadar. (n.d.). Ecwid review.
• Digital. (n.d.). Jimdo review.
• Software Advice. (n.d.). Volusion reviews and pricing.
• Investopedia. (n.d.). Shopify review.